Lecture 4: Lighting

15. Fluorescent Bulb A fluorescent bulb produces light by introducing electricity to mercury vapor, thereby creating a chemical reaction that illuminates outwards. They are often more expensive than incandescent bulbs but last longer.

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14. Incandescent Bulb Incandescent light bulbs are the most commonly seen type of bulb. They create light by heating a wire filament to such a high temperature that it produces light. Pictured is the popular Edison bulb that has seen a resurgence as of late.

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13. 2x4 Fixture 2x4 fixtures are often times fluorescent lighting and are purely functional. They often are used in public spaces (such as hospitals or offices) and serve to light large, open areas.

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12. Sconce Sconces are light fixtures that sit externally on a wall and are a design feature that both light a space while also functioning as a standalone design piece. Here, even if the sconces are off, they are gorgeously designed pieces and serve a decorative purpose even when they're not being functional.

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11. Wall Washing Wall washing consists of light sources designed to shine and reflect directly on a wall. Here, the wall washing lighting focuses on the upper wood panels of this wall and serves as a "form over function" feature: while the recessed lighting and drop lighting already illuminate the space, the wall washing is more of a design feature.

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10. Drop Lighting Drop lighting traditionally comes from the ceiling and suspends downwards. Here, these three pendant lights very visibly hang over the island and draw the eye downwards towards the kitchen features below.

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9. Recessed Lighting When lighting is recessed, it becomes complete obscured by whatever surface it is built into--it is not external at all. Here, the lighting is integrated into the wood beams, giving a streamlined and stylish impression that is also minimal and does not take away from the architectural feature that it is built into.

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8. Cove Lighting Cove lighting is concealed illumination (often times along the edge of a soffit) to both light up the space while also defining the edges of the pocket or cutout. It brings depth and definition to the layers of walls or ceilings in the space.

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7. Up Lighting Up lighting focus its beams skyward to illuminate a space or accentuate a specific feature. Here, the outdoor up lighting gives the individual frond stems their own personality, making them look as if they're made of light.

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6. Perimeter Lighting Perimeter lighting is used to illuminate the edges (or perimeters) of a room. In this photo, the perimeter lighting also brings attention to the upper cabinets and the molding around the hood enclosure/cabinetry.

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5. Grazing Grazing involves bringing a light source close to a wall to highlight physical or topographical features of the wall. Here, the upward lighting catches the ridge of the concrete wall and casts shadows, giving the wall additional dimension and texture. The grazing lighting here makes the wall more dynamic and vibrant.

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4. Ambient Lighting While not serving any specific or functional purpose, ambient lighting serves more to provide a mood and environment. Here, the ambient lighting above gives a cozy, even romantic feel even if it doesn't increase the functionality of the space.

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3. Accent Lighting Accent lighting highlights and accentuates a specific feature or aspect of a space. In the photo above, the accent lighting serves two purposes: to illuminate and optimize visibility of the artwork in this hallway while also drawing the eye towards the next piece in the collection.

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2. Task Lighting Task lighting exists to illuminate a specific area in which an activity is being accomplished. In the above photo, task lighting can be found in the suspended light fixture and the lighting above the rear desk.

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1. Natural Lighting With natural lighting, no artificial light is found. The room is illuminated and brightened by the outside environment without focus or direction except through which portal the light is entering.

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